The roots of the Devil’s Rangers rivalry stretch back to the 1982-83 NHL season when the Colorado Rockies relocated to New Jersey, officially becoming the New Jersey Devils. This move, however, wasn’t without its complexities. The Devils were required to pay significant indemnities to the established New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers for encroaching on their existing market territories. This initial financial entanglement laid a subtle groundwork for future animosity, as the Devils were seen as a new kid on the block challenging the established order.
Despite the Devils’ later success, particularly in the 1990s, the early playoff encounters between these two teams were largely dominated by the Rangers. Their first playoff meeting in the 1992 Stanley Cup playoffs saw the Rangers, then Presidents’ Trophy winners, narrowly escape a seven-game series against the Devils. These early contests, while not yet at the fever pitch they would reach, began to solidify the idea of a true cross-river rivalry.
Iconic Moments and Defining Seasons: The Heart of the Battle
The true intensity of the Devil’s Rangers rivalry cemented itself around the mid-1990s, particularly during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. These years delivered some of the most memorable and pivotal moments in the rivalry’s history, etching themselves into the collective consciousness of both fan bases.
The 1994 Conference Finals: A Defining Seven-Game Thriller
The 1994 Eastern Conference Finals is arguably the most famous chapter in the Devil’s Rangers saga. This series was a clash of titans, featuring star players and high stakes. The Rangers, led by the legendary Mark Messier, faced off against a formidable Devils squad known for its stifling defense and the innovative “neutral zone trap.” The series went to a dramatic Game 7, where Messier famously guaranteed a Rangers victory in Game 6, a promise he delivered on with a hat trick. The Rangers ultimately won the series and went on to capture the Stanley Cup, a victory that resonated deeply with their fan base, who had endured a 54-year championship drought. For Devils fans, this series was a painful but crucial learning experience, setting the stage for their own future triumphs.
The 1995 Stanley Cup: The Devils’ Retribution
Just one year later, the New Jersey Devils found their redemption. After the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season, the Devils, entering as the underdog eighth seed, embarked on an improbable playoff run. They met the Rangers in the second round of the playoffs and decisively swept them in four games, a stunning upset that avenged their previous year’s heartbreak. The Devils continued their incredible run, eventually winning their first Stanley Cup, famously doing so without home-ice advantage in any of their four playoff rounds. This victory solidified the Devils’ place as a legitimate force in the league and added another layer of intensity to the rivalry.
Beyond the Mid-90s: Continued Clashes and Notable Incidents
The rivalry didn’t wane after the mid-90s. Subsequent playoff meetings and regular-season games continued to ignite passion and drama. The 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw the Rangers again prevail, albeit in a tighter series, further fueling the back-and-forth nature of the rivalry.
More recently, the 2023 first-round playoff series between the two teams added another thrilling chapter, with the Devils emerging victorious in seven games. This showcased the enduring competitive spirit and unpredictability that characterizes their matchups.
A particularly notable incident that garnered significant attention was the all-out brawl that erupted off the opening faceoff of a regular-season game in April 2024. All ten skaters on the ice engaged in fights, a rare and explosive display of the deep-seated animosity between the two teams. This event, driven by a prior incident involving Rangers forward Matt Rempe and Devils defenseman Kurtis MacDermid, underscored the raw emotion and personal rivalries that often spill over in this particular matchup.
What Defines the Devil’s Rangers Rivalry?
Several factors contribute to the enduring intensity and widespread fascination with the Devil’s Rangers rivalry:
Geographical Proximity: The most obvious factor is their close proximity. Madison Square Garden (Rangers’ home) in Manhattan is less than 10 miles from the Prudential Center (Devils’ home) in Newark, just across the Hudson River. This “cross-river” dynamic fosters intense local pride and makes game attendance a convenient pilgrimage for both fan bases.
Contrasting Styles of Play (Historically): While modern hockey has evolved, historically, the Devils were often associated with a disciplined, defense-first, “trap” style of play, which contrasted with the Rangers’ more offensive and star-driven approach. These stylistic differences often led to intriguing strategic battles on the ice.
Shared Market, Divided Loyalties: Both teams vie for the hearts and minds of hockey fans in the expansive New York metropolitan area. This shared market creates a natural competitive environment where every win against the rival feels amplified, and every loss is a bitter pill to swallow.
Memorable Playoff History: The numerous high-stakes playoff series, particularly the 1994 and 1995 conference finals, have created a rich tapestry of defining moments, heroes, and villains that continue to fuel the narrative.
Passionate Fan Bases: Both the Devils and Rangers boast fiercely loyal fan bases. Games between the two are known for their electric atmosphere, with chants, jeers, and constant energy from the stands. This passionate engagement from supporters amplifies the stakes for the players on the ice.
Individual Player Rivalries: Over the years, individual players have emerged as key figures in the rivalry, adding personal dimensions to the team-on-team clashes. These individual matchups often escalate the intensity of the games.
FAQs
What is the Devils vs. Rangers rivalry?
The Devils–Rangers rivalry, also known as the “Battle of the Hudson,” is a fierce NHL rivalry between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. Originating in 1982, this rivalry is marked by intense games, playoff showdowns, and a deep-seated animosity between the two fan bases.
Why is it called the “Battle of the Hudson”?
The nickname stems from the Hudson River, which geographically separates the two teams. The Rangers play at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, while the Devils’ home is the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The close proximity intensifies the rivalry, making it a true cross-river battle.
How many times have the Devils and Rangers faced each other in the playoffs?
As of April 2025, the two teams have met seven times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
1992 Division Semifinals: Rangers won 4–3
1994 Conference Finals: Rangers won 4–3
1997 Conference Semifinals: Rangers won 4–1
2006 Conference Quarterfinals: Devils won 4–0
2008 Conference Quarterfinals: Rangers won 4–1
2012 Conference Finals: Devils won 4–2
2023 First Round: Devils won 4–3
What is the current head-to-head record between the two teams?
As of their last meeting on April 5, 2025, the New York Rangers lead the all-time series with a record of 135 wins, 113 losses, 21 ties, and 11 overtime losses against the Devils.
What was the result of their most recent game?
On April 5, 2025, the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 4–0 at the Prudential Center. The Devils scored a power-play goal, a short-handed goal, and an empty-net goal in this decisive victory.
Have there been any notable brawls between the teams?
Yes, the rivalry has seen several intense brawls. One of the most infamous occurred on March 19, 2012, when a line brawl broke out two seconds into the game, resulting in multiple player ejections. A similar incident happened in 2023, highlighting the ongoing animosity between the teams.
Which players have played for both the Devils and Rangers?
Several players have donned both jerseys, including:
Scott Gomez
Bobby Holík
John MacLean
Mike Rupp
Brendan Shanahan
What are some memorable moments in the rivalry?
Notable moments include:
The 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Rangers defeated the Devils in a dramatic seven-game series.
The 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, with the Devils winning the series 4–2.
The 2010 regular-season game featuring a legendary goalie duel between Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist, ending in a 1–0 shootout victory for the Devils.
How do the fan bases compare?
Rangers fans are known for their deep-rooted loyalty and history, being one of the NHL’s Original Six teams. Devils fans, while smaller in number, are passionate and have a strong presence in New Jersey. The proximity of the teams leads to a significant overlap and rivalry among fans in the New York metropolitan area.
To conclude
The Devils–Rangers rivalry transcends mere competition; it embodies the spirit of hockey in the New York metropolitan area. Rooted in geographic proximity and a history of intense matchups, this rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in NHL history.
From the dramatic 1994 Eastern Conference Finals to the recent shutout victory by the Devils in April 2025, each game adds a new chapter to this storied feud. The rivalry is not just about the teams but also about the fans, whose passion and loyalty fuel the intensity on the ice.
As both franchises continue to evolve, with new talents emerging and strategies developing, the rivalry remains a constant, reminding fans of the rich history and the unyielding spirit of competition. Whether it’s a regular-season game or a playoff showdown, when the Devils and Rangers face off, it’s more than just a game—it’s a battle for supremacy in the heart of hockey’s most passionate region.
To read more , click here
